Hello and welcome to Van Life Devotions. Today we are in Philadelphia in Turkey. This was a prosperous city until 17AD when the region was hit with a huge earthquake which was so devastating that Rome exempt the city from paying tribute for 5 years. Despite this Philadelphia needed more help from Rome which was never forthcoming, making them feel neglected. This feeling was only worsened when Emperor Domitian declared Philadelphia should tear out all their vineyards so Rome’s wine industry would have no competition. By doing this, it ripped the heart out of Philadelphia’s economy, and they felt betrayed.
We are not sure when Christianity started in this place, but we do know that it was a faithful church through their trials. At the Island of Patmos when John was given a revelation of the End Times, he also recorded the words of Jesus to this church. Jesus said:
“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 3:7-13 NIV).
Jesus offers no words of reproof to this church, but praises them for their faithfulness even though they have only a little strength. They have kept His word and not denied His name and Jesus promises to place before them an open door - most likely referring to the door of the synagogue being “shut” to the Christians. When persecuted Jews fled to other towns for the safety, they would establish a synagogue in their new town. The early Christians were seen as a Jewish sect and allowed to go to the synagogue. The synagogue for a Jew is not just the centre of religion but also the social centre, life revolved around the synagogue. Once the Christians started declaring Jesus was the Messiah and bringing others gentiles to the Faith, the Jews kicked them out of the synagogue, alienating them from friends, family, and their networks. This also left them vulnerable to trouble from Roman Authorities as their names would be struck from the synagogue register, taking away their exemption from worshipping Caesar, putting their lives in danger. Think about the thousands of followers around the world today who are cast out, alienated, betrayed by loved ones, or facing death.
The devastating earthquake of 17 AD that struck Philadelphia decimated most things, but a lone pillar withstood the impact, standing as a tribute to the power of endurance in crisis. Jesus promises the Philadelphians that He would make them a pillar in the temple of God.
Those who have overcome the things that shake our faith, Jesus promises their strong foundation in paradise where no one will take their crown.
Let’s Pray
Dear God. Help us who follow You to remain faithful to You and Your Truth. May we overcome any trials or hardships that come our way. O God, preserve us who travel; surround us with your loving care; protect us from every danger; and bring us in safety to our journey’s end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
David Moyes
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